Former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has broken his silence in a candid interview with French broadcaster TF1 (as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport), sharing the emotional toll of his recent suspension, his disappointment with Juventus, and his hopes for a fresh start—possibly with Monaco.
On His Suspension
Pogba described the shock and pain of his ban from football, saying:
“It was like they were telling me that football was over for me. I didn’t understand anything. It was very, very difficult. I wasn’t ready. Being condemned without any explanation, without anyone really listening to me, was a shock. I had to leave Italy also because my children were going to school right next to the training center. Every day I spent with them, they would ask me when I would play again. I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t do it anymore, it was too hard.”
On Juventus’ Lack of Support
Pogba expressed deep disappointment with his former club:
“At the time, I asked for help, for example a physiotherapist or a fitness coach, because I was still part of Juventus. But I didn’t even get that. They weren’t really with me. And feeling that was a hard blow for me. I didn’t understand, I wasn’t at war with them.”
On Robbery and Threats
The Frenchman also recounted the trauma of being robbed and threatened by people he once considered close:
“It was sad, they were people I cared about. I considered them all brothers. In the neighborhood, we all hang out together, we grew up together… You can’t imagine something like that.”
On Fear and Silence
Pogba explained why he kept silent about the threats:
“My silence was to protect everyone. My wife noticed I was more distant, that something was wrong, but I tried to keep it to myself, hoping to solve the problem as soon as possible, to move on. In the end, I spoke about an investment with my banker and my lawyer, to pay what was being asked of me. Then I collapsed. During the Ramadan fast, I asked for help from the only one who could help me: Allah. I prayed and something clicked. I decided to speak. I told myself that, even if I had to die, that money should go to my children, my family. I wouldn’t throw it away. Did I see myself dying? When you’re robbed, when someone points a gun at your face, you don’t have time to think, you say yes to everything.”
On His Brother
Pogba also touched on his relationship with his brother:
“We are in contact. We’ve spoken between us and with the family. Blood is blood. There’s a scar, of course, but we’re moving forward. Only time will give answers later. For now, all we want is for the family to stay united. That’s the most important thing. It’s hard, I won’t lie. I was hurt. I’m a human being. It’s not like before, but we’re in contact. The main concern is for mom, who ‘isn’t 20 anymore,’ and because ‘many people can die from stress.’”
On Returning to Football
Despite his challenges, Pogba remains hopeful about returning to the pitch:
“Despite my age, I’m still like a kid. I still like playing with the ball and dribbling. I’ve become the boy I was at Roissy-en-Brie again, who wants to start his career. I think about it, I wonder how it will go, like a young man entering a training center for the first time. Everything will depend on me. As long as I find a new team, which hasn’t happened yet. Monaco? We are talking, yes.”
